One million reasons to play golf in the Outback

The Outback Queensland Masters, a concept created by Tourism and Events Queensland in partnership with Golf Australia, will tee off in 2019, taking place across six regional locations from June to August. The inaugural event coincides with Queensland Government’s declaration that 2019 is The Year of Outback Tourism.

Ms Jones said the new event was designed to showcase Queensland’s world-class Outback experiences and drive visitors to the region.

“This event is a hole-in-one for Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“We’ll be welcoming hundreds of amateur golfers to Outback Queensland and encouraging them to extend their stay beyond the days spent on the golf course.

“The Outback Queensland Masters has been specifically designed to make it easy for participants to compete at multiple events. What a great way to experience Outback Queensland, by travelling to each event and exploring that region’s unique tourism offerings.

“This is an opportunity to showcase Outback Queensland and we hope visitors will take advantage of the opportunity to experience it for themselves.”

The 2019 Outback Queensland Masters is planned to start in Roma and visit Charleville, Longreach, Winton and Boulia before concluding in Mount Isa.

Each event will take the form of two nine-hole rounds, played over two consecutive days, including a novelty hole at each location that connects to a local tourism experience.

The final event will feature a ‘Million Dollar Hole-in-One Challenge’, which golfers can qualify for by competing in at least two other events in the series.

“From rugged national parks and stunning gorges, to World Heritage-listed fossil fields, historic towns and iconic pubs, we want people to get out and experience Outback Queensland,” Ms Jones said.

“This event will connect people with Outback Queensland’s tourism experiences and the proximity to other events like the Birdsville Big Red Bash, Vison Splendid Outback Film Festival, Boulia Camel Races, Glencore Great Western Games and the Half Way There - Charleville Shindig will provide even more incentive to stay in the region for longer.

“We recognise the importance of tourism to the Outback Queensland economy with the industry contributing an estimated $355 million and supporting about 3,700 jobs in 2016-17.

“This event is expected to contribute 7,000 visitor nights to the region, resulting in a direct and incremental spend of $1.7 million.

“We’ve also recently announced a $3 million campaign to showcase Outback Queensland and further investment of $10 million in 15 infrastructure projects in the Outback, which will further enhance tourism opportunities in the region.”

Golf Australia chief executive Stephen Pitt said the innovative approach was what made the concept so exciting.

"Not only will it shine a spotlight on some great regional Queensland centres, but also on some golf courses that have great appeal, if not the fame to match," Mr Pitt said.

"Whether they're on sand or grass greens, the courses the Outback Queensland Masters field will play are unique and a great representation of golf being a welcoming cornerstone of communities around Australia.

"I'm sure the rounds, courses and club experiences in each centre will be something participants will remember fondly for years."